UN launches victims of terrorism associations network to strengthen global support News
John Samuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
UN launches victims of terrorism associations network to strengthen global support

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) launched the Victims of Terrorism Associations Network (VoTAN) on Monday. A key outcome of the first United Nations Global Congress of Victims of Terrorism, the initiative seeks to foster stronger collaboration among victims’ associations worldwide, enhance advocacy, and ensure that victims’ rights and needs are at the center of counter-terrorism efforts.

The opening of the Global Congress featured high-level participation, including by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov, the co-chairs of the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, the Republic of Iraq and the Kingdom of Spain, and other senior United Nations and international community representatives.

Speaking at the launch event at UN Headquarters, Voronkov expressed solidarity with victims’ associations across regions and cultures. He said that victims are powerful agents of change. Their experiences and resilience must guide our strategies against terrorism. VoTAN aims to provide a platform for victims’ groups to share experiences, advocate collectively for better support systems, and strengthen their participation in policy-making at national, regional and international levels.

Victims of terrorism often face neglect, social stigmatization, and inadequate access to justice and psychological support. VoTAN seeks to bridge these gaps by facilitating capacity-building, amplifying victims’ narratives, and promoting inclusive legislation and practices.

The launch also featured the presentation of a VoTAN Charter, outlining key principles such as solidarity, inclusiveness, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights. The charter commits the network to championing the dignity and rights of all victims of terrorism, regardless of nationality, religion, or background.

UNOCT officials stressed that VoTAN would work closely with governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies to ensure that victims’ perspectives are systematically incorporated into prevention strategies and recovery programs.

The UNOCT plans to organize regional meetings and training programs under the VoTAN framework in the coming year.

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